Yard Fail (Short Story)

When Ralph Swindon tinkers in his workshop, the entire world holds its breath ...

A 2500 word short story.

I pulled into the carpark just as Ralph came out of the surgery. His right arm was heavily bandaged and his face was ruddy, as if he'd spent too long in the sun. He was wearing his 'working clothes' - blue jeans and a T-shirt - and they looked a little singed.
Ralph hauled the door open and sat down, grimacing as his arm brushed the padded seat. "My place," he said. "Let's go."
"What happened?"
He lifted his bandaged hand. "Burnt. The doctor suggested hospital, but I told him it was life or death."
"And is it?"
Ralph has a habit of ignoring awkward questions, no matter how direct. He was silent until I reached the highway, but he cleared his throat as I pulled into the traffic. "Better step on it," he said.